(NETWORK INDIANA) The CARES Act is a highly popular bill because it actually helps people and shows that government has a purpose, says Indiana Republican Senator Todd Young.
In an interview with 93 WIBC’s Tony Katz Wednesday, Young says one of the biggest issues with the bill was that it was not passed soon enough because members of Congress spent too much time arguing. “Because of those few days of delayed action, we literally had companies that shut their doors. Yes it is being implemented correctly,” Young said.
Due to the nature of the coronavirus, Young said the House and Senate had no choice but to act quickly. “The downside to acting quickly when you’re putting together laws is, after you pass the law, it’s then up to the agencies to come up with more detailed operational rules about how that law is going to work,” Young said.
The CARES Act also includes a $600-a-week bonus until July 31 for those registered as unemployed. The $600 is issued in addition to the standard unemployment benefit, which varies by state and by individuals’ record of previous earnings. Because the weekly $600 equals $15 an hour for 40 hours, some people will be paid more during unemployment than when they were working. “I’m worried about the perverse incentives associated with that. That may well work in New York City or California, but not in parts of Indiana,” said Young.
President Trump has decided to put a freeze on U.S. funding to the World Health Organization (WHO). “I have called the WHO to the carpet, just like I did a couple of years ago by the way. I intend to convene an oversight hearing of the World Health Organization,” said Young.
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo argued the WHO didn’t perform its “primary function” of giving the world timely and accurate information about the “global health space.” The President says his administration will review the body’s actions in the early days of the coronavirus outbreak in China.
